Daines Plans Hearing to Combat Sexual Harassment at USFS

After the sudden resignation of U.S. Forest Service Chief Tony Tooke on Wednesday, Montana Senator Steve Daines called for a hearing on combating sexual harassment within the agency.

“I am distraught and angered that this happened in Montanans’ own backyard. That’s why I am planning a Senate hearing,” said Daines. “Strong leaders are needed to change the culture of the organization and I believe Mr. Tooke’s resignation was the right decision. I plan to use every tool to ensure all bad actors are held accountable.”

Daines said results of a recent investigation on the PBS News Hour found incidents of harassment in the USFS here in Montana.

Daines is Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry, and Natural Resources.

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke recently created an action plan to combat the widespread and pervasive culture of harassment and discrimination throughout the National Park Service, as well.